Interior designer Karen Oliver appointed us to create beautifully tailored joinery and bespoke furniture that made the most of every space in this riverside pied-a-terre in Richmond.
With the homeowner based overseas, regular communication and a truly collaborative approach were key to the success of this project. From refining technical drawings to coordinating with on-site contractors, we worked closely with Karen to ensure every detail and query was resolved smoothly and within a tight timescale. The result is a calm and cohesive home, where every piece serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose.
OVERVIEW:
Joinery and spraying services
FINISHES:
Black stained oak, natural oak and spray finishes
KEY BESPOKE DETAILS:
Three fitted wardrobes, a double vanity bathroom storage unit and glass dining table
IMAGE CREDIT:
Photography – Chris Snook Photography
Karen Oliver undertook a full turnkey renovation of this 1,500 sqft three-bedroom apartment set within a substantial period property overlooking the River Thames. Every detail was carefully considered to make the most of the space available and the riverside view. The goal was to achieve the perfect balance between the historic features and thoughtful modern touches.
This was a project where precision and coordination were paramount, both in the design itself and in the way we worked together. The responsiveness of our team at Origins Design helped make sure the final result met the brief and exceeded expectations.
At the centre of the compact kitchen sits a bespoke glass-topped oval dining table, designed to offer practicality without imposing on the space. Our furniture makers worked with Karen on the design of the open pedestal base to create a minimal and elegant silhouette that would help the kitchen feel light and open.
We used a matte black stain on the oak structure of the pedestal, in keeping with the subtle thread of black running throughout the entire property.
In the main bathroom, Origins Design delivered a bespoke oak vanity unit with tall storage cupboards on either side, designed in collaboration with Karen to offer as much storage as possible whilst keeping the proportions balanced and aligned.
A lot of thought and attention was given to technical details that needed close communication with the on site contractors and Karen, such as overall height to match that of the opposite shower enclosure, positioning of the double vanity to allow for the basin waste to reach the external wall and the uneven walls typical of a period home like this.
Crafted from a luxurious natural oak with warm tones, the vanity fits seamlessly with the mother of pearl tiles, white vanity top, recessed basins, fluted lights, taps, black hardware and mirrors specified by Karen.
Bespoke wardrobes were designed and built by our team to fit the architectural quirks of two of the bedrooms, making full use of the corners and narrow wall sections. The full-height wardrobes include decorative coving, integrated lighting, and interior shelving and hanging configurations to suit the homeowner.
Initially a non-bespoke wardrobe was chosen by the homeowner for the smallest, third bedroom. However on seeing the quality of our bespoke wardrobes, this was replaced with a third bespoke wardrobe designed, crafted and fitted by our team. For the angled and slightly awkward corner in the third bedroom, we made an angled wardrobe with open shelving on either side, designed to follow the line of the wall.
All three wardrobes make the maximum use of the available space in the bedrooms adding valuable storage. We finished the wardrobes in a high quality spray finish one shade away from the wall colour, allowing the furniture to sit quietly within each room without overwhelming the space.
“All designs had to be agreed with the client by email as they were based overseas, which was a challenge. The timing was also tight to fit in with the construction work, carpets being fitted and the client moving in!” said Karen of Karen Oliver Interior Design. “I am particularly proud of how delighted the client was with the end results. Origins Design helped me achieve the maximum use of the space in the bedrooms, and created high quality furniture with colours and detailing that connected and matched that of the overall scheme. The Origins team maintained excellent communication and a collaborative approach to everything we designed, creating and amending drawings to suit my client.”
